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A community meeting will take place Wednesday to inform South Keys area residents about a group of armed robbers.

Police are warning people to be wary, after a string of nine robberies, many at gunpoint — the most recent on Monday morning.

This one happened around 6:20 a.m. when a 58 year-old woman got off a bus at the South Keys transit station. She was walking toward the stores when she was accosted from behind by a man. He grabbed her and demanded money.

The woman was able to break loose and flee, but dropped her purse. When she found it later, her cash had been stolen.

Cops say the man who attacked her is described as being around 20-25 years-old, with a darker or tanned complexion and stood about 5-foot-5. At the time of the attack, he was wearing a dark jacket and dark pants.

Investigators believe the crime is related to the other eight robberies.

“We feel there are people in the community aware of who is responsible for one of more of these robberies and we appeal to them to contact us,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Haarbosch. “Crimestoppers is completely acceptable if people are hesitant to contact us directly.”

In some cases, several suspects swarmed their victims, while in others, as many as 10 suspects stood nearby while one did the robbery. Haarbosch said investigators believe the robberies are being done by one main group of criminals, which breaks into smaller factions.

In addition to cellphones, cash and purses have also been taken.

Area councillor Diane Deans has organized a meeting and info session featuring police and local agencies on Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Greenboro Community Centre.

“We’re still looking for public assistance,” said Haarbosch, he said adding police have increased presence in the area including foot patrols along the pathways and parks.

THE OTHER THEFTS:

October 31, 9:30 p.m.: Cahill Dr. at Albion Rd.: A woman was robbed of her bag by a man who was with 5-10 other men who stood by.

10:30 p.m.: 100 block of Celtic Crt.: A man was circled by a group of men who demanded he hand over his cellphone. The victim was able to run but was caught, assaulted, and had his cellphone taken.

11:40 p.m.: Uplands Dr. at Hunt Club Rd.: Two women were waiting for a bus when three men came by. They took out a handgun was demanded they hand over their purses and cellphones.

8:40 p.m.: Margrave Ave. at Zaidan Dr.: A man and two friends walked by a group of men and as they passed, two of them approached. One of the suspects produced a handgun as the second searched the victim. A cellular phone and candy were taken.

Nov. 2, 5:45 a.m.: Bridle Path Rd. at Crosscut Ter.: Three men were approached by three or four men. One suspect produced a handgun and a demand as made for cellphones, which were taken.

Nov. 3, 1:55 a.m.: Flannery Dr. at Springland Dr.: A man was approached by a man who pulled a handgun and demanded the victim’s cellphone. A second man stood nearby. Cellphone taken.

7:45 p.m.: A 23-year-old man was approached on a footpath near the Lorry Greenberg Community Centre by three suspects. One suspect restrained the victim as the second searched him. A third suspect whipped out a knife. Cellphone demanded but nothing taken.

Nov. 13, 7:45 p.m.: Uplands Dr. at Hunt Club Rd.: A woman waiting at a bus stop was approached by a man with a handgun. Her cellular phone and purse were taken.

Cops believe Monday robbery linked to string of thefts

A community meeting will take place Wednesday to inform South Keys area residents about a group of armed robbers.

Police are warning people to be wary, after a string of nine robberies, many at gunpoint — the most recent on Monday morning.

This one happened around 6:20 a.m. when a 58 year-old woman got off a bus at the South Keys transit station. She was walking toward the stores when she was accosted from behind by a man. He grabbed her and demanded money.

The woman was able to break loose and flee, but dropped her purse. When she found it later, her cash had been stolen.